But presidential candidates aren’t the only ones who waste millions on abrasive campaign commercials. Congressional candidates and even candidates for the state Legislature inundate the public with some of the nastiest fodder to litter the airwaves.

It is hard to believe that any of these campaign commercials actually sway voters’ opinions other than to help them see how low some politicians will sink to get elected.

Even if all political advertisements remained civilized and only promoted candidates’ achievements without assassinating their opponents’ characters, the cost is still obscene.

For decades, the United States has been sorely in need of campaign reform, and eliminating the need to spend millions for political propaganda should be at the top of the list.

Until then, we can only be thankful for “mute” buttons on our electronic devices and the all-too-short breaks between election seasons.